Fast but Yummy Ham Dinner!

This week, we will be sharing three of Dulcie’s favorite holiday recipes. The first recipe we shared was for a dessert, Mama Judy’s Great Cobbler. However, before you get to the great desserts, you need to have equally great main dishes. For this article, we will be sharing a great recipe on one of the holiday’s staple delicacies, Ham!

Yummy Holiday Hams

Ham has long been a centerpiece of holiday celebrations, bringing families together with its rich, savory flavors and versatility. Whether glazed with sweet and tangy sauces, studded with cloves, or served alongside seasonal sides, ham embodies the warmth and tradition of festive gatherings. From Easter and Thanksgiving to Christmas, this classic dish symbolizes abundance and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones, making it a cherished staple on holiday tables around the world.

Featured Image sourced from: https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/holiday-ham-three-ways-56389345

Recommendations for the Perfect Holiday Ham:

To elevate your holiday ham experience, consider pairing it with a flavorful glaze that complements its savory richness. A combination of sweet and tangy ingredients like honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and balsamic vinegar can create a beautifully caramelized crust. Serve the ham with seasonal sides like roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh cranberry relish for balance. For a special touch, garnish the serving platter with herbs, citrus slices, or roasted pearl onions to add both flavor and festive presentation. Don’t forget to save the bone for a hearty soup or broth after the holidays!

Fast but Yummy Ham Dinner!

Image sourced from: https://www.afamilyfeast.com/perfect-holiday-ham/

This recipe makes makes 12 servings. Holiday meals are best enjoyed with family, so invite them over, even if it’s for a mini potluck, and share this delicious recipe with them!

Ingredients
  • 2 pounds pearl onions
  • 1 cup firmly-packed dark brown sugar
  • 5 tablespoons good-quality aged balsamic vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard
  • 1/4 cup butter, diced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 (8- to 10-pound) half ham shank, fully cooked, fat trimmed to 1/2-inch thickness*
  • A spiral ham may be substituted, but cooking times will be shorter. Also no need to cut slits.
Instructions

Cook onions in a large pot of boiling salted water for 2 minutes; remove from heat and drain. Trim root ends, leaving base intact. Peel; set aside. (Onions may be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line a large stainless-steel Roasting Pan with aluminum foil.

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard to make the balsamic glaze.

Place prepared onions in a 11x7x2-inch glass baking dish. Add 2/3 cup of the prepared balsamic glaze, butter, salt, pepper, and water; toss to coat. Cover with aluminum foil.

Making 1/2-inch-deep slits, score ham with diamond pattern. Place ham in prepared roasting pan and bake 45 minutes. Place the baking dish with the onions in the oven. Roast ham and onions 25 minutes. Uncover onions, and continue roasting onions and ham an additional 50 minutes. Baste ham with some of balsamic glaze. Continue to roast ham and onions until deep brown and glazed, brushing ham with balsamic glaze every 10 minutes, about 30 minutes longer. Remove from oven and transfer ham to large platter.

Transfer onion mixture to bowl. Serve ham, passing onion mixture separately.

Dulcie Crawford is a native Nevadan, born and raised in Las Vegas. Dulcie is a Community Expert & stays current with updates on market trends & market conditions.  A senior Realtor with Signature Real Estate Group, she has sold over 1,300 homes since 1998. You are assured an exceptional experience when buying or selling Real Estate with The Dulcie Crawford Group.